The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, has commended the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for their willingness to unite and partner with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces in solving the security challenges in their respective countries.
Lt Gen Okiding said as he met with the Chief of Staff-Defence Intelligence of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, who paid a courtesy call on him at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters, Mbuya.
Maj Gen Moyo observed that such visits would benefit the two Defence Forces and the two countries at large as they exchange information of mutual interests, which include the contemporary threats of terrorism.
Major General James Birungi, Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, expressed optimism about the collaboration, citing the need for concerted efforts to tackle the region’s multifaceted and dynamic security challenges. “It is my desire that these relations, which are built on strong historical and cultural bonds, continue to grow from strength to strength for our mutual benefit,” said Maj Gen Birungi.
Maj Gen Thomas Moyo, the Chief of Staff-Defence Intelligence, Zimbabwe Defence Forces, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the significance of the meeting in promoting the vision of Pan-Africanism and fostering mutual respect among nations.
He expressed confidence that the meeting would benefit both countries as they work together to combat security challenges like terrorism, human trafficking, smuggling, and illegal migrations, among others.
The delegation from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces is on a three-day visit to Uganda.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security of UPDF, Brig Gen Abdul Rugumayo